Cities of Calabria

Art cities on the Ionian coast:

A holiday in Calabria will be remembered not only for a pleasant time spent on the beach and swimming in the sea (the seas in Calabria are considered the best in Italy!), but it is also worth visiting the numerous cities of art:

  • Tavern
  • Belcastro
  • Andali
  • Sersale 
  • Cherva
  • Zagarize
  • Simeri Screams 
  • Cropani
  • Sellia Marina
  • Tiriolo
  • Catanzaro
  • Catanzaro Lido
  • Stylo
  • Pizzo
  • Bari
  • Santa Severina
  • Reggio Calabria
  • Castrovillari
  • Crotone

Soverato (Ionian Coast)

Soverato is a small resort town located on the Ionian coast. The center of the “Orange Coast”. For its magnificent landscapes and crystal clear azure sea, Soverato is called the “pearl of the Ionian”. Soverato, in turn, is usually divided into Soverato Superiore (the part of the city that rises on a hill overlooking the sea) and Soverato Marina (the part of the city located on the coast, where the main part of the city’s population lives). The sea temperature in Soverato in summer is +24C, and the air temperature in August reaches +30C degrees. The gentle sun shines brightly 6-7 hours a day. The mountains protect the territory of Soverato from cold winds. The landscape of Soverato is truly magnificent: clean and transparent azure sea, snow-white beaches with fine sand that reflects the light of the sun’s rays, as well as a magnificent and comfortable climate all year round! 

Soverato is a famous resort on the Ionian coast, part of the province of Catanzaro, from the capital of the same name Soverato is 32 km away. Soverato has about 10,000 residents. Soverato is one of the most visited tourist centers of Calabria. Tourists from Europe and other regions of Italy are attracted to Soverato by its untouched nature, beautiful landscapes and clean sea, as well as local cuisine, rich in seafood. Local wines also have a special taste. In Soverato you can find an abundance of shops of local artisans, where you can buy ceramics, textiles and the best jewelry in the South of Italy. The Ionian part of Calabria is famous for its “Orange Coast” (Costa degli aranci). The “Orange Coast” is located in the very center of Calabria, and here are many towns with a rich history and preserved traditions, to which the locals are especially faithful. The “Orange Coast” is a special place for religious tourism.

The coast is rich in churches: in Soverato there is a particularly revered Cathedral, in Squillace it is worth visiting the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ponte, the medieval church of Santa Maria della Pietà and the main cathedral of the city. In Taverna you will find the extremely picturesque Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, the Church of Santa Barbara, the Church of San Domenico, the Church of San Silvestro, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The town of Tore Ruggiero deserves special attention thanks to the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie. Those interested in churches and various religious rituals will be curious to visit such popular festivals as Naca (traditional Easter rite), which takes place in the city of Catanzaro, and in other towns, although in each town these festivities have different names. It is very interesting to look at the locals, who still hold in high esteem the national costume – “Pacchiana” (which means “commoner” in the Neapolitan dialect).

Pacchiana is a typical outfit of the area. According to notarial acts, this costume was worn as early as the 17th century! Now Pacchiana, or rather a slightly more “modernized” model, is the favorite clothing of the residents of the towns of Tirolo, Marcellinare,Settinjaro. The costume consists of a “soutane” (white slip), a “panna” (red slip), a jippune (a 3/4 sleeved vest), a curled collar, a dark blue skirt, an apron, a silk muff and a valuable shawl made on a loom. Typical handicrafts of the “Orange Coast” include the wrought iron works of Borgia and Cropania, the clay products of Cerva and Tiriolo, the leather goods of Sellia, the embroidery of Cropania and the musical instruments of Tiriolo. Also in Squillace are produced beautiful vases in the Greek style. It is believed that the town of Soverato was originally a fishing village and was called Poliporto, but then, due to Saracen influence in the 10th century, the inhabitants abandoned the ruined village and went to a nearby hill called Suberatum.

Over time, the settlement passed from one conqueror to another and was under the control of the Normans, the Swedes, the rulers of Anjou and Aragon, until the invasion of Napoleon, who abolished the feudal regime in 1806. Only after the powerful earthquake of 1783, which destroyed the “upper” part of the city, people began to come to these territories again, developing what we can now see in Soverato. In the old part of the city there are ruins of the medieval city, destroyed by the earthquake of 1783. Another important monument of the old part of Soverato is the monastery of Santa Maria della Pieta, built in the 16th century and preserved in excellent condition to this day. Here, in the medieval city, are the ruins of the most ancient churches of Soverato: the Church of Matrice, built during the Normans, 17 m long and 12 m wide, and the small church of San Nicola.

One of the most interesting places to visit in Soverato is the national park – the Botanical Municipal Garden (Giardino Botanico Comunale), which overlooks the Gulf of Squillace. The area of ​​the reserve is more than 56,000 square meters, and typical plants of the Mediterranean and Ionian coast grow in it, as well as some plants characteristic of the tropical zone. But the main attraction of Soverato is rightfully the magnificent beaches with the purest velvety white sand. Interestingly, this sand is special: it is of granite origin. The purest water and special sand are necessary factors for the wonderful seahorses of all kinds of colors to live in the waters, because seahorses live only in the cleanest waters. Numerous hotels, campuses and residences attract tourists from all over the world, making Soverato the queen of Ionica.embroidery of Cropania and musical instruments of Tiriolo.

Also in Squillace they produce beautiful vases in the Greek style. It is believed that the town of Soverato was originally a fishing village and was called Poliporto, but then, due to the Saracen influence in the 10th century, the inhabitants left the ruined village and went to the hill nearby, which was called Suberatum. Over time, the settlement passed from one conqueror to another and was under the control of the Normans, Swedes, the rulers of Anjou and Aragon, until the invasion of Napoleon, who abolished the feudal regime in 1806. Only after the powerful earthquake of 1783, which destroyed the “upper” part of the city, people began to come to these areas again, developing what we can see today in Soverato. In the old part of the city there are ruins of the medieval city, destroyed by the earthquake of 1783. Another important monument of the old part of Soverato is the monastery of Santa Maria della Pieta, built in the 16th century and preserved in excellent condition to this day.

Here, in the medieval town, are the ruins of the most ancient churches of Soverato: the church of Matrice, built during the Normans, 17 m long and 12 m wide, and the small church of St. Nicholas. One of the most interesting places to visit in Soverato is the national park – the Botanical Municipal Garden (Giardino Botanico Comunale), which overlooks the Gulf of Squillace. The area of ​​the reserve is more than 56,000 square meters, and typical plants of the Mediterranean and the Ionian coast grow in it, as well as some plants characteristic of the tropical zone. But the main attraction of Soverato is rightfully the magnificent beaches with the purest velvety white sand. Interestingly, this sand is special: it is of granite origin. The clearest water and special sand are necessary factors for the wonderful seahorses of all colors and patterns to live in the waters, because seahorses live only in the cleanest waters.

Numerous hotels, campuses and residences attract tourists from all over the world, making Soverato the queen of the Ionica.embroidery by Cropania and musical instruments by Tiriolo. Squillace also produces beautiful vases in the Greek style. It is believed that the town of Soverato was originally a fishing village called Poliporto, but then, due to Saracen influence in the 10th century, the inhabitants abandoned the ruined village and went to a nearby hill called Suberatum. Over time, the settlement passed from one conqueror to another and was under the control of the Normans, the Swedes, the rulers of Anjou and Aragon, until the invasion of Napoleon, who abolished the feudal regime in 1806. Only after the powerful earthquake of 1783, which destroyed the “upper” part of the city, people began to come back to these areas, developing what we can see today in Soverato. In the old part of the city there are ruins of the medieval city, destroyed by the earthquake of 1783.

Another important monument of the old part of Soverato is the monastery of Santa Maria della Pieta, built in the 16th century and preserved in excellent condition to this day. Here, in the medieval town, are the ruins of the most ancient churches of Soverato: the church of Matrice, built during the Normans, 17 m long and 12 m wide, and the small church of St. Nicholas. One of the most interesting places to visit in Soverato is the national park – the Botanical Municipal Garden (Giardino Botanico Comunale), which overlooks the Gulf of Squillace. The area of ​​the reserve is more than 56,000 square meters, and typical plants of the Mediterranean and the Ionian coast grow in it, as well as some plants characteristic of the tropical zone. But the main attraction of Soverato is rightfully the magnificent beaches with the purest velvety white sand. Interestingly, this sand is special: it is of granite origin.

The clearest water and special sand are necessary factors for the wonderful seahorses of all colors and patterns to live in the waters, because seahorses live only in the cleanest waters. Numerous hotels, campuses and residences attract tourists from all over the world, making Soverato the queen of the Ionica.Another important monument of the old part of Soverato is the monastery of Santa Maria della Pieta, built in the 16th century and preserved in excellent condition to this day. Here, in the medieval town, are the ruins of the most ancient churches of Soverato: the church of Matrice, built during the Normans, 17 m long and 12 m wide, and the small church of St. Nicholas. One of the most interesting places to visit in Soverato is the national park – the Botanical Municipal Garden (Giardino Botanico Comunale), which overlooks the Gulf of Squillace. The area of ​​the reserve is more than 56,000 square meters, and typical plants of the Mediterranean and the Ionian coast grow in it, as well as some plants characteristic of the tropical zone.

But the main attraction of Soverato is rightfully the magnificent beaches with the purest velvety white sand. Interestingly, this sand is special: it is of granite origin. The clearest water and special sand are necessary factors for the wonderful seahorses of all colors and patterns to live in the waters, because seahorses live only in the cleanest waters. Numerous hotels, campuses and residences attract tourists from all over the world, making Soverato the queen of the Ionica.Another important monument of the old part of Soverato is the monastery of Santa Maria della Pieta, built in the 16th century and preserved in excellent condition to this day. Here, in the medieval town, are the ruins of the most ancient churches of Soverato: the church of Matrice, built during the Normans, 17 m long and 12 m wide, and the small church of St. Nicholas.

One of the most interesting places to visit in Soverato is the national park – the Botanical Municipal Garden (Giardino Botanico Comunale), which overlooks the Gulf of Squillace. The area of ​​the reserve is more than 56,000 square meters, and typical plants of the Mediterranean and the Ionian coast grow in it, as well as some plants characteristic of the tropical zone. But the main attraction of Soverato is rightfully the magnificent beaches with the purest velvety white sand. Interestingly, this sand is special: it is of granite origin. The clearest water and special sand are necessary factors for the wonderful seahorses of all colors and patterns to live in the waters, because seahorses live only in the cleanest waters. Numerous hotels, campuses and residences attract tourists from all over the world, making Soverato the queen of the Ionica.

Tropea (Tyrrhenian Coast)

The center of the Tyrrhenian coast in Calabria is the city of Tropea.
Tropea is located on one of the most picturesque coasts of the Mediterranean – Costa Degli Dei (Coast of the Gods). A few kilometers from Tropea are the resort centers of Calabria: Vibo Valentina and Capo Vaticano. Tropea is the most favorite tourist destination in Calabria: magnificent beaches, crystal clear seas and fun pastime – this is what the Tyrrhenian coast is famous for. Many scientists associate the foundation of Tropea with the name of Scipio Africanus, who founded the city during his return to Rome from one of his military campaigns. According to legend, it was he who ordered the founding of the city and named it Tropea.

In Tropea, one can clearly see the Norman trace in architecture, in particular

in the structures that were typical for the communes, as well as walls with drawbridges. The city itself has a medieval structure: the city center is Piazza Ercole, where a 16th-century palazzo with a granite façade rises. Heading from the square along Vittorio Emanuele Avenue,  you can observe a magnificent panorama of the Santa Maria islands, which are now part of the peninsula and are connected to it by a thin strip of land. It is interesting to go to the historical center of Tropea, where there are palazzi, the residences of local nobility in the 18th and 19th centuries.

But the main treasure of Tropea, which attracts tourists from all over Europe, is, of course, the sea and white sandy beaches. The coast of Tropea is buried in greenery, which magnificently adds to the ideal seascape.

Not far from Tropea there is another famous Italian resort – Capo Vaticano, which is the pearl of the Coast of the Gods. Nowhere else will you find sea water as transparent as in Capo Vaticano: the color of the sea here is represented by the entire palette of blue: from emerald to azure.

Tavern

G. Taverna is a picturesque place center, located on the mountain slopes near the Ionian Sea. Taverna is the birthplace of the famous collector of paintings of the 17th century – Mattia Preti, as well as the famous orator – Baron Giuseppe Poerio. During the Roman period, Taverna was destroyed by the Moors, Cretans, Carthaginians, and then reconstructed several times. Taverna has always had a warlike spirit, so it took part in many wars, including the wars with the Swedes and Normans. There are many interesting palaces and churches in Taverna that are worth visiting: the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (15th century), Palazzo Gironda Veraldi, Palazzo Ricca, Palazzo Catizzone, the Towers of the Guardia della Bajularda, the Municipal Museum, Palazzo Mezzacoco (late 1600), built on 3 levels and combining interesting wrought iron decor with Baroque elements. The Taverna hosts numerous festivals, celebrations and sagras.

A sagra is a celebration where various dishes are tasted, prepared from the product in whose honor the celebration is held. From May to October, the Taverna hosts sagras of watermelon, beer, bruschetta. They are usually accompanied by music festivals and theatrical performances. From October to January, the most outstanding dishes are those of local sausages, mushrooms, potatoes and pancakes.

Belcastro

Belcastro is considered more of an agricultural center, and is a town near Catanzaro. In the Roman and pre-Roman period, until 1331, it was called Geneocastro in honor of the cathedral dedicated to Castara and Pollucci. Of the medieval architectural monuments, the most notable are the ruins of the castle of Dacquino and the towers. Palazzo Poerio, named after the family that was the feudal lord of this territory until 1500, is truly worth seeing. There are also 2 interesting churches: “Della Pieta”, which contains an image of the Madonna and Child, made in the Byzantine style, and the second – “Matrice” dedicated to St. Michele and made in the Romanesque style.

Andali

There is a version that the city was founded by Albanians in 1431, who were hiding here from the Turkish army. Of particular interest is the parish church, which was built in 1728 and then reconstructed again after the earthquake in 1783 on the initiative of the Fragale family, the owners of the land on which the church stood.

Sersale

The town is located at the foot of Mount Angara (986 m), between the sea and the Silano hill, from where a wonderful panorama of the Gulf of Squillace opens up. The special location of the town makes it an almost ideal place for those who love to relax by the sea and in the mountains. The town is located 15 km from the Ionian coast and 24 km from Mount Gariglione. The history of the town is associated with a noble Neapolitan family – Sersali di Sorrento, which had power in several cities in the South of Italy. At the end of the first half of the 16th century, they received a territory rich in water and natural beauty, but these lands were practically empty. In 1620, Baron Francesco Sersale leased these lands to families of local foresters, who founded a settlement here, calling it Sersale, in honor of the baron. Every year on July 16th, festivities in honor of Santa Maria del Carmine take place here, accompanied by fairs and musical performances.

Cherva

Cerva is a tourist center of the province of Catanzaro. The city’s borders are the two rivers Crocchio and Nazari. There are several versions of the history of the city’s origin. One says that the city has existed under this name since 1620, and is also associated with the Cerseli dynasty. According to another version (which is considered more reliable), the history of the city dates back to the first half of the 18th century, when residents of the province of Cosenza began to rent land here. Initially, the territory was part of the feudal estate of the Poerio di Belcastro family, and initially Cerva was called San Giovanni della Croce, but then, according to popular legend, this name turned into Cerva, because deer could often be found near the settlement. Today, it appears to tourists as a beautiful town, all in green forests, with the purest forest air, which intoxicates with its pine aromas, and also offers amazing local cuisine. The dishes made from handmade pasta are especially popular, as are the homemade sweets.

Mushrooms in olive oil, olives and dried tomatoes, as well as peccorino and ricotta cheeses, have a special taste. In August, Cerva hosts the sagra of “homemade pasta”. The most interesting thing about Cerva is its historic center, which has a schematic structure with the typical “corners” of the ancient city buildings of that time, as well as incredible wall paintings that are dedicated to the most important moments in the history of the city of Cerva, as well as local traditions. Here is the magnificent Palazzo Griffo, which has been completely restored and houses the museum building. In the city you will find many ancient houses with arches and stone steps typical of that era. These houses, which in the past belonged to local noble families, tell us what the social structure of the society of that time was. The center of Cerva is a completely restored square, an arena for celebrations, concerts and performances that take place throughout the year. Particularly noteworthy are walks through the forest that surrounds the town of Cerva, to the river Crocchio.

Zagarize

The name of the city means “useful thing”. If we delve into the history of this territory, we will see that the city in ancient times was a picturesque and healing place, where people fled to hide from the plague, for which there was no cure. Zagarise was founded around 1000 AD. The history of the city determined the presence of two centers: the first historical center is associated with the Norman tower, the second – with the Church of Madre. The city has many monastic buildings, each of which has a special relief and decor. It will be interesting to visit the Museum of Sacred Art, the Museum of Peasant Art, the Church of Rosario, the Monastery of San Giorgio, the Monastery of San Angiolo di Frigillo, the Church of the Madonna degli Angeli.

Simeri Screams

Simeri Crichi consists of several urban centers, divided into Simeri, Simeri Mare and Crichi. Simeri Crichi is located northeast of Catanzaro, and its borders are determined by the Simeri and Alli rivers. On the hill of the city there is a wonderful castle, built in the 10th century to hide from the conquerors and pirates who literally flooded Calabria. The lowland part of the city has an even older history: perhaps this area was a colony of sybarites, which was called “Simbari”, but this statement is difficult to confirm, since the territory was in common with Crotone. Crichi became an independent settlement in the second half of the 18th century. The only indisputable fact is that Crichi is one of the pearls of Calabria, a city-museum in the open air. The territory of Crichi is dotted with monuments of the Iron Age and the heyday of Greece. Here are the ruins of a Capuchin monastery, a Byzantine castle, the church of the Collegiata and the Necropolis. Crichi is the birthplace of many figures of the Enlightenment, San Bartolomeo, the theologian Roberto, Bishop Nicastro in the 15th century, the poet Agazio di Somma and the “masaniello”, the Calabrian Pisano.

Cropani

Cropani remained one of the most populated centers of Calabria until 1000 AD. The first settlements of Cropani were Greek, so the name of the city is of Greek origin (from the Greek word cropos, meaning “rich, fertile land”). Like many other Greek cities of Calabria, Cropani was founded by Greek captains and Greeks who managed to escape from the persecution of the Saracens. Today, Cropani is one of the most interesting cities of Calabria, rich in monuments of the Romanesque medieval style, the city abounds in churches and houses of architectural value.

Sellia Marina

Sellia Marina is located on the coast, the population of the city has increased in recent years. It is worth visiting Villa Schipani, the Saracen Tower, Palazzo de Nobili, Complesso de Seta. The magnificent beaches of Sellia Marina, which is located near Catanzaro, make the resort one of the favorite vacation spots for Italians and Europeans.

Tiriolo

Tiriolo rises on one of the many picturesque mountains of Calabria. From Tiriolo there is a divine view of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas (on the top of the hill there is an observation deck from which you can see both seas at once). Tiriolo is one of the first places in Calabria to be inhabited, and evidence of this can be found in ancient necropolises. There is no exact data on the origin of the city, and even the name of the city does not help historians and linguists in solving this problem. Tiriolo may come from the Greek word “trioros”, which means “three mountains”, or it may have Latin roots. Plutarch assumed that Tiriolo was founded by Heron, others put forward their own versions: the city was founded by the Atenesi or Enotri about 5 centuries before the Trojan War.

The historical importance of Tirioli is undeniable: for example, in 1640 excavations were carried out, as a result of which bronze objects dating back to 567 were discovered. This year was marked by the banning of bacchanalia. In 1128 Tiriolo fought on the side of Pope Onorio II against Ruggiero, in 1445 fought on the side of Alfonso of Aragon against Catanzaro. Despite its strategically advantageous position for defense, Tiriolo was destroyed by the Saracens. Tiriolo is an important city in terms of archaeological excavations, the entire historic center of the city, every stone of the city breathes history: from antiquity to the present day.

Catanzaro

Catanzaro, the capital of Calabria, is located in the middle of the narrowest part of Italy. The city on the hills has a very picturesque view. The viaducts connecting individual districts make an unforgettable impression. By the way, Morandi (1960) is one of the longest single-span bridges in Europe. There are various theories about the name of the city, but scientists agree on one thing – it is of Greek origin and consists of two words. In historical documents of the 10th century (Byzantine period) the name Katafioron is found, a little later the Latin Katachium appears. Some believe that the word Catanzaro was formed by merging the names of two fortified Greek settlements Kata and Zaro. Others are trying to prove that the Fiumarella Gorge was previously called Zaro, and the word Kata (higher) is interpreted as “growing on the edge of the gorge”. The history of Catanzaro begins at the end of the 9th century.

 In the next century, after the conquest of Calabria by Byzantium, the city became the capital of the province. It was a well-fortified center. The fortress walls saved the inhabitants not only from frequent raids by the Saracens, but also allowed them to separate themselves from the rest of the world during epidemics of plague and malaria. In 1059, Catanzaro was captured by Robert Guiscard, who included it in the Norman state. In the Middle Ages, the city again gained wide fame thanks to the production of silk. Few people remember this, but it got to the point that silk weavers from Catanzaro were invited to France. Their fabrics pleased the court of King Charles V, who granted privileges to the workers of this workshop. In 1519, the king allowed the adoption of the Charter of the Silk Guild, in which Catanzaro was five years ahead of Florence. 

The main attractions of the city are located along Corso Mazzini. It starts right behind the recently reconstructed Piazza Matteotti. At the beginning of the avenue, on the right side, stands the Church of San Giovanni (Chiesa di San Giovanni, 16th century). During its existence, the building has undergone multiple reconstructions, but its beautiful 17th-century portal and double spiral staircase still attract attention. A little to the side, in the shadow of a narrow alley, hides the oldest monument of the city – the small church of Sant’Omobono (Chiesa di Sant’Omobono, 12th century). From the original building of the Norman era, several fragments of walls have been preserved. In Piazza G. Rossi, where among the modern buildings of the local administration and government institutions, the old boarding house Galluppi (Convitto Galluppi) seems a little ridiculous and old-fashioned.

On the street stretching to Piazza Grimaldi, the Chiesa della Immacolata with its bizarre façade and built-in bell tower (restored in 1765) is particularly noteworthy. Corso Mazzini goes further and further, attracting architecture connoisseurs with its original palaces. Worth your attention is the Chiesa del Monte dei Morti, a delightful late Baroque building housing 17th-century paintings.The modern Duomo is the result of reconstruction in 1960 of a building destroyed by the August bombing of 1943. The first church on this site dates back to the 12th century, and after the earthquake of 1783, a neoclassical cathedral was built here. Inside the Duomo are interesting works of art, including a precious silver tomb containing the remains of St. Vitalino, the patron saint of the city. Narrow, densely built-up streets lead back to Corso Mazzini in the area of ​​Piazza Cavour. In front of Piazza Roma is the Church of San Rocco (18th century), and then the Church of San Francesco (Chiesa di San Francesco), where the main street ends. If you walk along Via de Seta (Silk Street), you can reach a viewing platform with a beautiful view of the Gulf of Squillace (Ionian Sea).

Catanzaro Lido

Catanzaro Lido is the coastal area of ​​Catanzaro, located in the Fiumarella Valley on the Ionian coast. Here tourists can choose from a variety of entertainment and all the necessary conditions for a wonderful seaside holiday.

Stylo

The town of Stilo is famous for being the birthplace of the philosopher Tommaso Campanella and the artist Francesco Cozza. Stilo is located at an altitude of 386 meters at the foot of Mount Cosolino, on the southern side of the Catena delle Cere. Catena delle Cere is a long mountain range that runs almost parallel from North to South. The city was founded by the ancient Greeks as a colony and then destroyed by Dionigi from Syracuse. The city flourished before the arrival of the Byzantines in these lands, who, having appreciated the advantageous geographical position of Stilo, fortified it, and Stilo became one of the most important centers of the Mediterranean. Today, the city is one of the most interesting in Calabria from an artistic point of view, since the city has perfectly preserved the heritage of the Byzantines and Normans.

One of the main attractions of the Byzantine period is the famous Cattolica, a beautiful 10th-century temple with five typically Byzantine domes. Inside the Cattolica there are 4 columns and important frescoes illuminated by the sun rays that pass through a small window from which the sea can be seen in the distance. The view is truly breathtaking. Another important church in Silo is the Renaissance church of San Francesco with its stunning frescoes. Also historically important is the monastery of San Giovanni Teristis, built in 1660 by the Basilians. The Normans left their mark on the layout of the historic center of Stilo, and they also built the Castello Normanno in the 11th century, ordered by King Ruggero II. Stilo is the starting point for discovering the magnificent landscapes of the Catena delle Serre.

Pizzo

One of the most famous towns in the province of Vibo Valentia on the western coast of Calabria. The town is known as a popular seaside resort and also as a thriving fishing centre. Pizzo, like the province of Vibo Valentia to which it belongs, is famous for its picturesque, jagged coastline, long sandy beaches, pleasant climate all year round and the best ice cream in the world. Situated on the top of a rocky outcrop jutting out into the sea, Pizzo is one of the most attractive and lively places on the entire Calabrian coast. Here the mountains meet the sea, and from the town’s viewpoint there is a magnificent view of the Aeolian Islands and the Stromboli volcano. The town dates back to the Middle Ages and consists of small narrow streets running down to the sea and connected to the lower part of the town by ancient stone steps. In the old part of the town, at the back of Piazza Umberto I, the main square of the town, stands the castle built by order of Ferdinand I of Aragon in 1486. 

In this castle, Joachim Murat, Napoleon’s marshal, who landed in Calabria near Pizzo and was captured, was convicted and executed in October 1815. The castle houses an ancient museum telling the ancient history of the town. Walking up and down the small streets of the old town, you will never tire of enjoying the view of the turquoise sea over the tiled roofs of this picturesque little town. The numerous churches, each beautiful in its own way, of this small town of 9,000 inhabitants leave an unforgettable impression. One of them, La Chiesa di Piedigrotta, is built in a grotto and can only be reached by sea. For those who like to shop, there are souvenir shops in the town. The heart of Pizzo is the Piazza della Repubblica (another name for salotto), where there are numerous bars and ice cream parlours and where there is always a large crowd of people, where you can sit and enjoy life while tasting the most delicious ice cream: Tartufo di Pizzo. This famous local ice cream was invented in 1943 to honor the visit of Prince Umberto I of Savoy. The city has many cafés, each of which prepares Tartufo according to its own special recipe, passed down from generation to generation. There is also an unusual museum dedicated to tuna fishing. Visiting the museum, tourists will immerse themselves in the past and take a virtual journey through the most important places on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, associated with the fundamental activity of the region – tuna fishing.

Bari

Bari is a city on the Adriatic Sea in Italy. It is the second economic center of southern Italy and is known as a port and university city, as well as the city of St. Nicholas of Bari.

Bari is an original combination of a large European city with wide avenues, busy traffic and prestigious shops, no worse than in the north of Italy, and southern flavor – hot sun, sea and amazing palm parks.

The historic center lies on a peninsula between the old and new harbors. It is small and resembles all the ancient cities of southern Italy with narrow streets and white stone houses. The white city rises on the hills above the warm southern sea – this is Bari. The embankment offers a beautiful view of the bay.

There are not many tourists here, with the exception of Orthodox (primarily Russian) pilgrims who come to the myrrh-streaming relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which were secretly taken from Myra in Lycia in 1087 and have since been kept in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Nicholas, specially built to house them. The tomb has an ancient, strictly ascetic form; there is a specially made opening in the wall through which ministers enter to collect the myrrh flowing from the relics. For almost a hundred years, Bari has had an Orthodox St. Nicholas Church, where services are conducted by a Russian priest of the Moscow Patriarchate. The church also contains many Orthodox icons that stand out against the background of a typical Catholic church interior and amaze with their beauty. During your visit to the church, you will have access to the relics of St. Nicholas and will be able to confess to an Orthodox priest.

Other significant buildings in the city include the Cathedral Church of San Sabino, a prime example of Apulian Romanesque architecture (1170-78, restored in the 1950s), the seaside castle of Friedrich Hohenstaufen (Castello Svevo, 13th century) and the ancient Teatro Petruzzelli, whose renovated building is due to open in 2010. The city’s second theatre is named after the Bari native Niccolò Piccinni. 

Upon arrival in Bari, attend an Orthodox service in the Basilica of St. Nicholas and venerate the holy relics. Sightseeing tour of the city by bus.

After the tour of Bari, we will go to the city of Alberobello, where the unique trulli buildings are located. Trulli are round, residential peasant buildings that are typical for the southern region of Apulia. The houses are unique examples of buildings with dry masonry walls, without plaster. They are built from roughly processed pieces of limestone. The roof of a typical trulli is pyramidal, domed or conical, and also double-layered and therefore waterproof. Various mythological or symbolic signs are usually painted on the tiles. Nowadays, the trulli house various shops and souvenir shops. In 1996, the trulli were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sightseeing tour of Alberobello, lunch at the Casanova restaurant, where you will be offered typical cuisine of the Puglia region.

Santa Severina

Santa Severina with its numerous churches and architectural monuments of different eras is considered one of the pearls of Calabria. The year is especially loved by Italians, who do not leave this amazing town without their attention. The city was founded by Enotri, an ancient Italian people, Santa Severina became a major religious center during the Byzantine period. Among the monuments of ancient architecture, it is necessary to note the Cathedral, built by Ruggero Stefanunzi between 1275 and 1295. At the moment, only the portico has remained in its original form, while all other parts of the building were rebuilt at the time for Archbishop Carlo Berlingeri at the end of the 17th century.

The Baptistery, erected in the 10th century, is the most interesting legacy of the Byzantine past of Santa Severina. Only the Church of Catollica in Stilo can compete with this Baptistery. The Church of Santa Filomena is another treasure of Santa Severina. It was built in the 12th century during the Norman era, but this elegant building has incorporated Byzantine forms, especially in the dome, which is a reminder of the Byzantine influence on this town. However, the most important attraction of Santa Severa is the Castello Normanno, built in the 11th century by the Norman king Roberto Giussardo, presumably on the ruins of a Byzantine fortress. Today, the monumental Castello houses a museum, where numerous exhibitions and collections are presented. Various exhibitions are also held here.

Reggio Calabria

Ancient Reggio was one of the earliest Greek colonies in southern Italy and certainly one of the most ancient centres of Europe. The first settlements in this area date back to the 3rd millennium BC. Reggio Calabria is now the largest and most populated city in the region, thanks to its advantageous geographical position. Reggio Calabria is a magnificent resort, but the true wealth of the city is its history, which goes back several millennia, and numerous monuments of art. The Duomo, dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta, is one of the holiest and most important monuments of Calabria and the most striking example of Calabrian Baroque. The small church of Ottimati from the 11th century reflects the influence of the Byzantines and Normans on the history of the city. Villa Zebri, which is located on the magnificent embankment, is made in the Venetian style in the 14th century, rich in decorative elements.

 The Villa is the most important art center of the city: numerous exhibitions and events are held here, and the Villa is also the center of the Venetian Biennale in southern Italy. The ruins of Castello Aragonese, built around 536 by the Byzantines and then supplemented with supporting towers under the Aragonese, are of particular interest to tourists. In addition, Reggio Calabria is rich in numerous museums, houses and art galleries. The National Archaeological Museum of Magna Grecia certainly has the most important and richest collection of examples from the Greek era. The most famous are the bronze figurines, which are a symbol of the city and the entire region. Reggio Calabria is home to the famous Teatro Cilea, built in neoclassical style. The city is also famous for its beautiful squares in the historic center, the streets that lead to the seafront.

Castrovillari

The city can be divided into two parts: the ancient part (Civita), which includes the historic center, elegant buildings and is located on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. The second part of the city, the new part, is located at the foot of Monte Pollino and consists mainly of chic modern neighborhoods, offices and shops. The city was built in the Middle Ages, and due to its location – in the mountains and near the sea – to this day it holds a strong position as a local commercial and economic center. The roots of the name of the city Castrovillari go back to ancient times, and the first settlements of the town date back to the Paleolithic period. The three-nave Church of Castrovillari is designed as a basilica.

Another famous architectural monument – Protoconvento Francescano – is located on the Lauro hill. Protoconvento was erected in 1220 by Pietro Catin, a follower of Francesco D’Assisi. The symbol of the city is undoubtedly the monumental Castello Aragonese, built in the 15th century. Externally it resembles a trapezoid, and from the inside it seems rectangular.

Crotone

An ancient Greek colony founded in 709 BC, Crotone is one of the most historically significant cities in Calabria. Crotone is located in the very center of the Mediterranean. It is located on the easternmost point of the Ionian coast. Due to its important geographical position, Crotone has been influenced by various cultures and peoples over the centuries, which have left their mark on its architecture. The ancient part of the city with its magnificent palaces and ancient churches is located near Castello Carlo V, a massive Spanish fortress built in the 16th century. The fortress was a logistics center and also had military functions. From the castle there is a huge wall that has survived to this day. In the historic center of the city there are many small churches from the 16th century, such as the single-nave Church of the Immacolata (chiesa dell’Immacolata). Nearby is the Church of Santa Chiara, the construction of which began in the 1400s and ended around 1700.

The church is famous for its magnificent Neapolitan majolica floors and the precious organ of 1753. Palazzo Gallucci, built in the late 1800s, is also located in the historic center of the city, near the Church of San Giuseppe with Baroque elements. Crotone has 4 main museums: the National Archaeological Museum (contains archaeological finds from various eras), the Museo Civico (medieval examples, weapons), the Capo Colonna Archaeological Museum (located 10 km from the center in a picturesque archaeological park) and the Tore Nao Antiquarium (located in a tower). The Capo Colonna Archaeological Park is an open-air museum.

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